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New Books to Lust For

"The Impeachers," non-fiction, about Andrew Johnson, but obviously making some kind of gesture toward Trump. I like the jaunty title, which makes me think of "The Rescuers," and "The Rescuers Down Under."

"Furious Hours." Harper Lee apparently became obsessed with a murder trial late in her life, and seemed interested in having a true crime success, a success similar to the big splash Truman Capote had enjoyed. (Ms. Lee helped with "In Cold Blood," but people sometimes forget.)

"Furious Hours" tells of Ms. Lee's (aborted) true crime phase.

I can't remember anything about this interlude from "Mockingbird," the famous Harper Lee biography. I can remember that Lee became increasingly irritated by Capote, in part because Capote would not really discourage rumors that he had secretly written "To Kill a Mockingbird." Also, late in life, Capote became more insufferable than ever, and he published a book, "Answered Prayers," which cruelly spilled the secrets of several of his famous friends.

"Once More We Saw Stars." This will be huge. It was excerpted in "New York," and...People. Took. Note.

The author of the memoir had a small child, but that child was killed. How? The child was outside in New York City, and a brick fell on her head. What can we get from memoirs of grief? A furious voice capable of cutting through bullshit. I expect this book will be like "Wave," or "Blue Nights."

More to come!
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